RFID for Beginners

RFID technology is used frequently today and has been around since the 1920s, but not many people know about, or understand it. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and is used to store and retrieve information. This information is stored and retrieved using RFID tags or transponders. RFID tags are small and can be incorporated into many products. The tags have antennas that allow them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID transceiver.

Two Types of RFID Tags

There are two types of RFID tags; active tags, and passive tags. Passive tags do not have their own power supply, but rather receive their power from a tiny electrical current present in the antenna that is induced by an incoming radio frequency scan. Because of the small power present in the system, passive RFID tags are used only in short distances (such as an ID card).

Active RFID tags have a power source and therefore are much stronger and can be used over larger distances and are therefore more highly effective. Active RFID tags also have the potential to store more information than their passive counterparts. Some active RFID tags have a battery life of up to ten years.

The System of RFID

RFID works off of a system that relies on tags, tag readers, tag programming stations, sorting equipment, circulation readers, and tag inventory wands. RFID is generally used in security, because security gates are programmed to read the RFID tags and then either open or close accordingly. The system helps the information be easily transmitted via an RFID device. Systems have evolved over the years along with RFID chips. The hope is that RFID will one day be available to everyone (meaning consumers) because it will be more efficient and cost effective to implement RFID processes.

Where is RFID Used?

RFID can be found almost everywhere. RFID can be found in bookstores and CD stores. The little alarm that sounds if a CD has not been scanned is made possible by an RFID chip. RFID chips are found on animal tags, on books in libraries, in car alarms and car lock systems. RFID can also be used to detect motion. This could be very useful in the coming years in terms of prisons. In 2004 the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRH) approved a $415,000 contract to test RFID technology in prisons. The idea is that the prisoners will ware wristbands that will watch their movement. If there is any movement, which is out of the ordinary, security will be alerted. This technology will be employed in many states in the coming years.

Conclusion

RFID technology seems to have endless possibilities. Some critics of RFID technology say that it violates the privacy of citizens. This is based on the fact that RFID can be used to track whereabouts of people and obtain personal information. Putting all of this power into a little chip makes it undetectable. However, RFID can also possibly be used in driver's licenses for faster police scanners, and as a way to monitor hospital patients. With every potentially harmful application of RFID, there are several wonderful applications. It will be interesting to see all of the wonderful applications of RFID in the future.

Amie Kandowski is very interested in RFID Technology and loves writing about RFID.

---

Bluetooth Basics - Bluetooth Technology Tutorial

Bluetooth BasicsBluetooth technology is nothing new, but in many respects... Read More

Easy to Execute!

Plug and play equipment or hardware solves the problem of... Read More

What Is A Crystal? And How To Test It

Crystal are use to keep the frequency of the clock... Read More

Generation Laptop

In May 2005 U.S hardware history was made.This was the... Read More

The Road Ahead

We live in an area that has begun to... Read More

Two Essential Accessories For Notebook Computers

A Good Notebook BagForget those that are bundled with your... Read More

How to Check Your IP

So you need to check your IP address, for whatever... Read More

How to Get the Case Off Your PC!

This is the first step to servicing, upgrading or removing... Read More

All In One Printers ? Home Office Workhorses

All in one printers, also known as multifunction printers (MFPs),... Read More

Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It?

Notebook Computers Are Sexy!Granted, the notebook computer may just be... Read More

ATA vs SATA

Hard Drives: ATA versus SATAThe performance of computer systems has... Read More

How to Shop for Inkjet Printer Cartridges

Keeping Shipping Costs DownWhen shopping for inkjet printer cartridges online... Read More

At War With The Internet

When it comes to sales of technology products over the... Read More

Dusting Your Computer - Keeping it Cool

My mother always told me to dust, but I never... Read More

10 Things to Ponder Before Moving Your Office Network

Moving the office network? How hard could it be? Anybody... Read More

Do You Feel Used by Computers?

Do You Feel Used by Computers?A look at second-user computer... Read More

Got The Message that You Need New Ink Cartridges?

We all know what it is like when that message... Read More

Recordable DVD Formats Explained

Picking your way through the ton of information available on... Read More

Printer Cartridges - Step Back in History

You are working and trying to print out important documents... Read More

Understanding Transistor Data and Replacement

If, for some reason, you can't get an exact replacement... Read More

Inkjet Printer Tips to Select Proper Printer

If you are tight on budget, go for Inkjet Printer.... Read More

Learn About The Three Basic Types Of Computer Mouse

1) Mechanical: This is a type of computer mouse that... Read More

Setting up a Tape Backup Strategy for your Business

So you know a little bit about tape backup, but... Read More

Nvidia Geforce 7800 GTX Review

Nvidia has done it again, with it's newest video card,... Read More

Advanced Tips on Speeding Up Your PC

Other then keeping your HDD free of viruses, spyware, and... Read More

How To Upgrade Your PC

Before you upgrade your PC hardware it's best to search... Read More

Five Band Resistor Color Code-What Does The Last Band Of White Color Represent?

In electronic repair, most of the time i came across... Read More

Moving to a New PC

Getting a new PC is exciting and a pain. It's... Read More

War of the Disks: A Close-in Analysis of the Hard Disk Drive vs. the Solid State Disk

Much has been written about solid state disks (SSDs) becoming... Read More

A Guide To Bar Code Reader Downloads

Bar code readers have proven themselves to be essential tools... Read More

Laptop Computer Extras for the Mobile Traveler

A laptop computer certainly provides you with an unprecedented level... Read More

How To Take Care Of Your Laptop Computer

As the proud owner of a laptop computer, you'll want... Read More

Testing Capacitor-How To Test A Capacitor When Breakdown Under Load

Have you ever come across power problem where once you... Read More